Brant's May 2020 Playlist

There's nothing like the Art At Home Challenge to restore your pluck!
Original art by Grant Wood, "The Appraisal", 1931 

Welp, another month has passed and we're all still under stay-at-home orders.  Thanks, Coronavirus.  There's been things to keep me occupied - try new recipes, do the Art At Home Challenge (see above pic), and of course work on another playlist!  We have a little bit of everything this month, including two World Music tracks (the closest I'll get to traveling for a while) and two MIKA songs!  Enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.   Sunflower (Dizzy) - Award-winning Canadian band gets us going with some sunny alt-rock.

2.   Caution (the Killers) - I never get tired of Brandon Flowers and his Vegas band.  Looking forward to their new album.

3.   Hard Feelings (Brian Fallon) - Former Gaslight Anthem singer continues an impressive solo career with this gorgeous acoustic offering.

4.   Sunlight (Tasha Angela) - More sunny vibes from Canada!  Are they getting more sunlight than we are?

5.   Tomorrow (MIKA) - I almost forgot how much I love MIKA!  He's mellowed since his debut 12 years ago, but I'm still digging his unmistakable sound.

6.   Radar Love (the Centerfold) - This group popped up randomly on Facebook, and the 80s vibes just make me happy.  This is their cover of Golden Earring's 1973 hit, which the Centerfold recorded and released in 1986. 

7.  Willing (Deeper) - Some angsty-80s vibes from Chicago band, who suffered the tragic loss of their bassist last November.  Seems to fall into an early New Order vibe, and I'm here for it!

8.  Lonely (Geowulf) - Australian duo chooses solitude over unrequited love and sounds way more cheerful than I would, but considering the social distancing recommendations - their timing couldn't be better!

9.  Never Tear Us Apart (the National) - Unexpected but welcome cover of INXS's 1987 hit.  Released with funds going to aid Australia as it battles wildfires.

10.  Big Black Train (Lucinda Williams) - Multiple Grammy winner returns with some world weary folk for these trying times.

11.  Who's Gonna Save You Now? (Rina Sawayama) - Up and coming Japanese-British singer confidently struts onto the stage with some bold arena rock!

12.  Paper Cup (Real Estate feat. Sylvan Esso) - 1970s-styled Indie Rock from Brooklyn band.

13.  Youth and Love (Jack Savoretti feat. MIKA) - Our 2nd MIKA tune:  this time a guilty-pleasure disco duet with handsome Englishman Savoretti.

14.  Don't Diss the Disco (International Teachers of Pop) - We had them on last September's playlist, and I happily add them again.  I'm becoming very fond of this "nerd disco" band.

15.  Another Love (Little Dragon) - Another repeat from previous playlists.  An exquisite slow jam from Swedish electronic band.

16.  Nominate (Stonebwoy & Keri Hilson) - Some African beats from Ghanaian singer, with an assist from American Keri Hilson!

17.  All of the Feelings (Kiesza) - Kiesza gets her Carly Rae Jepsen on with some exuberant pop!

18.  It's a Moot Point (Melanie Faye) - If Mariah Carey could shred on the guitar, I think this would be how it'd sound, with a touch of Santana!

19.  Nothing to See Here (Tenille Arts) - Wistful country from Canadian newcomer.  I'm very Canadian-heavy this month! 

20.  Dark Days (Gerry Cinnamon) - Singalong, uplifting Scottish folk from popular UK artist.

So that's May's playlist!  In these uncertain times, who knows what the future holds?  It's going to be tough during summer concert season if we're all still quarantined - but I guess all we can do is try to listen to health experts and hope this pandemic eases up soon.  Stay safe everyone!  Hope to see you next month.